LEONARDTOWN, Md. - After reviewing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Implementation Grant applications from across the state, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) fully funded the $150,000 grant proposal submitted by St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS). Additionally, MSDE informed the school system that its application was exemplary. This resulted in an additional $200,000 in funding to support the STEM Academies.

"I am very proud of the grant writing team and the proposal that secured $350,000 additional dollars to invest in our STEM initiatives," said Dr. Martirano, superintendent of schools. "We plan to provide a continuous pathway of education that creates STEM-literate graduates ready to accept the challenges of advanced education and the needs of tomorrow's workforce."

The implementation grant will fund a STEM coordinator who will oversee the three academies and partner with the STEM coordinator recently hired by NAWC-AD. In addition, the funding will support enhanced technology for each of the academy classrooms and a technician to support the program. Additional professional development will be supported through this grant as well as extended day activities and transportation for the elementary and middle school STEM Academies.

"The STEM advisory group has worked diligently to establish a clear vision, goals, and objectives for our program," said Ms. Linda Dudderar, chief academic officer. "They were integral in writing the grant and bringing valuable information from the business and military communities to the discussion. With the support and assistance of our community, we will prepare our students for a world they cannot as yet imagine."